THE tired 20-year Labor government’s answer to red tape that ‘s choking Queensland business – is to employ one more bureaucrat, the LNP said today.

LNP Shadow Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jann Stuckey said the appointment of a single bureaucrat on election eve was pure tokenism from a long-term government out of ideas and lacking any commitment to supporting business.

“Bligh Labor and Small Business Minister Jan Jarratt are clueless,” Ms Stuckey said.

“They’ve got no answer to the growth in red tape, fees and charges, and overall compliance costs for hardworking businesses.

“Now, just before an election they’re announcing a single bureaucrat will be hired to wind back red tape that’s been strangling progress in this state.”

Ms Stuckey said only the LNP can deliver change.

“Red tape is a $7 billion annual drain on business in Queensland.”

Ms Stuckey said the LNP had been constantly listening to small business about its needs and is taking up the fight on Labor’s expensive waste tax – more commonly known as Bligh’s ‘Scrooge Tax’ – due to take effect December 1.

Other policies that are causing concern are Labor’s mandatory code of practice for clothing industry out-workers, and the Bligh government’s licence, and WorkCover fees and stamp duty.

“The LNP is committed to repealing Labor’s waste tax, and simplifying Labor’s nonsensical mandatory code of practice for out-worker because it’s dumb policy that is destroying local jobs by sending clothing wholesalers and retailers offshore.

“While Labor’s only idea is offering a single bureaucrat, the LNP will slash red tape through a whole-of-government strategy to help get business back on track and kick-start job creation.

“We can’t have growth in the Queensland economy without a change of government. We need to get Queensland back on track.”